Been running fine since the summer. Today it decided that it would crash every time I launch it.Can't think whats changed - have not installed or altered my system since last time I played it, but it crashes HARD. I have to force quit it to regain control.I probably need to re-install it, but don't want to lose all my custom aircraft, terrain and what not. What is the best way to 'repair' the installation without overwriting all the custom files?Is there a 'preferences' or 'config' file I can trash to try that??-frustrated.

Hi :)When was the last time you did a Disk Defrag? It can solve problems :) If you have enough disk space, back up the following folders:Aircraft (very important :-eek)SceneryTextures (if you have any modified textures)GAUGESSceneDB?? (I have FS2002 - not sure if 04 has this folder?) In any case, backup the folder which contains your modified AI flight plans and AFCADs :-eekADDON SCENERY folder?EffectsSound folder (if it contains any modified files)Saved Flights folderBack up any files in the main FS9 folder which are non-default. Uninstall and reinstall FS9, and THEN cut and paste the backups into the new installation of FS9 :)If you have a CD-Rw, backup all of the main files onto CD. If you ever suffer a disk failure or virus, you can reinstall the backups - it will save you many hours of work! :) I recently did this! :)http://album.atomic-systems.com/showPic.php/23664/banner.jpg

Change the date back to early summer and see if it still crashes.